In this post, you will see how to knit herringbone stitch.
This stitch pattern gives a beautiful texture to your knitted fabric.
Perfect for many projects, like bags, pillows, blankets and coasters.
What You Need To Know About Herringbone Stitch
To work this stitch pattern, you need to know how to knit, how to purl and how to slip stitches.
There is a step by step photograph tutorial below and a video tutorial in this post to help you.
You can also view the video tutorial on my YouTube channel here – don’t forget to subscribe!
Once you have a little practice you will soon get into it!
My Tips
- Use needles with a good point on the end, I tried this with bamboo needles that didn’t have a sharp pointed end and found it difficult.
- Once I switched to other wooden needles with a sharper point, it was much easier.
- Use a needle size up – go up a size because the knitting becomes tight.
- Try not to knit tightly – this makes it difficult to work the stitches if you are a tight knitter.
- The fabric becomes dense and very tight – so just be aware of that when choosing your needles and yarn.
Resources and Tutorials That May Help You With This Stitch Pattern:
Coaster Knitting Pattern
Make a set of knitted coasters with this stitch pattern.
Make them in any colour with or without the fringe edging!
Get the free pattern here – Coaster knitting pattern.
How To Knit Herringbone Stitch
Learn how to knit the herringbone stitch with this step by step tutorial and video.
Materials
- Yarn - scrap yarns to practice with - I used a worsted weight yarn.
- Approx 10-15g for one square example - 4x4 inches.
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Size 8mm (US 11)
Instructions
Cast on an even number of stitches.
For this sample, I cast on 24 stitches.
- Step 1 - Insert your right-hand needle into the back loops of the first two stitches on the left-hand needle.
- Step 2 - Bring your right-hand needle up and under those two stitches.
- Step 3 - Knit the stitches and slip one of the stitches (the first loop) off onto the right-hand needle, while leaving the other loop on the left-hand needle.
- Step 4 - Then insert your right-hand needle through the loop left on the left-hand needle and the loop next to it, through the back again.
- Step 5 - Bring your yarn around as if to knit those two stitches.
- Step 6 - Push the right-hand needle through the front to knit.
- Step 7 - Split the two loops, slipping one of the knitted loops onto the right-hand needle, leaving the other on the left-hand needle. Continue to knit the row in this way - knitting into the back of the loop left on the left-hand needle and the loop next to it, then slipping that first knitted loop over onto the right-hand needle and repeating the process until you get to the end of the row.
- Step 8 - Knitting the wrong side. Turn your work and insert your right-hand needle purlwise into the first two stitches on the left-hand needle.
- Step 9 - Wrap your yarn over the needle as to purl those two stitches.
- Step 10 - You will see your two purl stitches on the needles like this image below.
- Step 11 - Slip the first loop onto your right-hand needle, leaving the second loop on the left-hand needle.
- Step 12 - Now insert your right-hand needle purlwise into the loop left on the left-hand needle and the loop next to it.
- Step 13 - Slip the first purled loop onto the right-hand needle leaving the second loop on the left-hand needle. Repeat this process to the end of the row.
Notes
Tips
Use needles with a good point on the end, I tried this with bamboo needles that didn't have a sharp pointed end and found it difficult.
Once I switched to other wooden needles with a sharper point, it was much easier.
Use a needle size up - go up a size because the knitting becomes tight.
Try not to knit tightly - this makes it difficult to work the stitches if you are a tight knitter.
The fabric becomes dense and very tight - so just be aware of that when choosing your needles and yarn.
Abbreviations
K- Knit
P - Purl
SL - Slip
RHN - Right-hand needle
LHN - Left-hand needle
Gauge - 10 sts in 18 rows in 4 inches/10cm square.
Carol says
Hi!
Thank you so much for this. Love love love the herringbone stitch!💕 I didn’t realize it was that easy!!! Yay! I always look forward to your emails and you always teach me something in every single one that you do!! They make my day! Thanks !
Carol🌞
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Carol, Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so happy you enjoy the emails, patterns and tutorials!
Happy knitting!
Louise 🙂
Maria says
As stated, I also didn’t know this stitch was so easy! Thank you for the great video and directions. I appreciate the assistance.
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Maria, I’m so happy you found the tutorial easy to follow.
I hope you enjoy knitting the herringbone stitch, it does have a lovely texture!
Happy knitting,
Louise 🙂